Viral ‘happy slapping’ attacks on the rise in the Canary Islands
Police are warning of a growing trend of teenagers filming and sharing assaults on other young people across the Canary Islands, turning violence into viral content for social media. The disturbing behaviour, known as “happy slapping”, is leaving victims doubly affected – first by the attack itself and then by the public humiliation online.
One recent incident in November saw around ten teenagers surround and assault a young boy in a street in the Bella Vista area of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, in southern Gran Canaria. The attack was filmed and shared online, with the victim visibly frightened and pleading not to be hurt.
Just days later, a similar incident occurred in La Palma, where a group of teenage girls attacked another girl, kicking, punching and pulling her hair while recording the assault. The footage quickly spread online, gaining thousands of views.
The National Police say these types of incidents are becoming more common, driven by easy access to mobile phones and social media platforms. Officers have warned that the goal is often to gain popularity and online attention, with more extreme violence leading to more views and interaction.
Although the phenomenon first emerged in the United Kingdom around 2005, it has spread widely over the past two decades. It involves recording physical, verbal or even sexual assaults and sharing them online, often through messaging apps or social networks.
Police stress that the harm does not end when the attack stops. The circulation of videos can prolong the victim’s suffering, creating what they describe as a “double victimisation” through lasting online exposure.
Experts are calling for greater awareness and responsible use of social media among young people. Authorities also remind families that children aged 14 and over can face criminal responsibility, with consequences that can affect their future.
Official figures show youth violence is increasing. In 2024, more than 12,500 assault offences involving minors were recorded across Spain, an 8% rise on the previous year. Cases involving serious crimes such as homicide or attempted homicide also increased significantly.
In the Canary Islands, prosecutors have reported a rise in serious offences involving minors, including sexual assaults and violent attacks. There is also growing concern over crimes committed or shared online.
Research highlights messaging apps and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok as the main channels where this type of content is created or spread. There are also warnings about the increasing use of artificial intelligence to manipulate images, videos or audio to target victims.
Police are urging parents and guardians to stay alert to their children’s online activity and to speak openly about the risks. Anyone who witnesses or receives this type of content is encouraged to report it rather than share it further.
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